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Exploring Wealth and Class Struggle in J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye"

In "The Catcher in the Rye," J.D. Salinger delves into the social and political issues of the 1950s, particularly focusing on the divide between the wealthy and the poor. The protagonist, Holden Caulfield, navigates a world where socio-economic disparities manifest even in high school environments, as seen in his interactions at Elkton Hills. An encounter with a fellow student reveals how superficial distinctions, like the quality of their suitcases, can lead to conflict and jealousy. Salinger highlights the emotional turmoil stemming from such inequalities, reflected in Holden's struggles with alcohol and smoking as coping mechanisms.

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Exploring Wealth and Class Struggle in J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye"

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  1. The Catcher in theRye Politics

  2. Politics • J.D. Salinger, disscussedsomepoliticalissuesofthe 1950s in hisbook • The mostproblemsweresurroundedbyyouth… • Also shown in thebookaretherepeatingproblemswiththeissueofbeingwealthyandpoor.

  3. Rich andPoor people… • In The Catcher in the Rye, it is known, that there is a competition between the rich and the poor, even in high school. • A good example for this is the boy at Holden´s old school “Elkton Hills High School” : • A boy at Holden´s high school slowly began to dislike Holden as a result of the different conditions of their suitcases. Holden owned a fancy, well-conditioned suitcase, whilst the other student owned an old suitcase. As a result, they started to end up with many conflicts.

  4. Rich andpoorpeople… • Oftenpeoplebelievethat such minimal differences, likethesuitcaseswith different qualities, couldcause a bigchange in relationshipbetweentwostudents. • The poorpeople, manytimes, feeljealousandresentthelifeofthewealthy. On theotherside, thewealthypeopleoftensawand still seethepoorasdirty, unmotivatedorevenas inferior tothem.

  5. Reactions after jealousness… • As described in thebook Holden representsthesadnessofhavingjealouspeoplearoundhim, bydrinking lots ofalcoholwhen he can, although he isunderage. • Furthermore he issmoking in almosteverychapter, whichshouldrepresenthiswayofdealing in stress situations.

  6. Overall, J. D. Salinger wantstoshowpartsofthebehaviour in the 1950s, by Holden Caulfield´sactionsandhisbehaviour. • Jealouspeopleandrichandpoorschools also play a verybigrole in thebookand in the 1950s.

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